Cabinet supports tourism entrepreneurs Saba and St. Eustatius

As a result of the devastating hurricane Irma tourism on the Dutch islands of Saba and St. Eustatius has been hit hard since September last year. In order to support this sector in this part of the country, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) on behalf of the Cabinet is making available a one-time 2.48 million as compensation for loss of earnings. Entrepreneurs on these islands can, as of January 30th until April 25th, submit a request to the National Office for Entrepreneurial Netherlands (RVO.nl).

State Secretary Knops (BZK): “With my own eyes I have seen what a devastating effect hurricane Irma has had on the Islands. On the Dutch islands of St. Eustatius and Saba, the tourism sector, for a significant portion, provide jobs and income of many families. With this arrangement the Cabinet is helping affected enterprises in the tourism sector to bridge this difficult period of reconstruction. ”

Which companies does this affect?
Companies whose revenues entirely depend on tourism are eligible for the compensation. These companies are registered in the trade register of the CHAMBER of COMMERCE with the following activities codes as main activity: 7212, 7220, 7221-6759, 6700, 7612, 7613 8311, 8511, 8518, 9678 and 9701. The support is for the period September 2017 through February 2018 and is 25% of the expected annual turnover. In order to substantiate the application for the support the entrepreneur will be required to submit turnover figures from 2014, 2015 and 2016. |

Saba and St. Eustatius
The Caribbean Netherlands is the name for the Dutch islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba in the Caribbean Sea. Since October 10th, 2010 they are three separate entities which form part of Netherlands. St. Eustatius and Saba are islands very popular with divers.